City Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Fukuoka also known as the City Zoological Garden. They were founded in 1953 and located in the territory of the city park Minami Koen. Since 1955, they are run by municipal units of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

The first Zoological and Botanical Gardens were opened in the city in 1933 near East Park. The opening was timed to celebrate the coronation of Emperor Hirohito. On a small area of ​​1, 7 hectares are located around 500 animals and 100 species of plants. May 20, 1944 the zoo was closed to the public, and large animals had to put to sleep. On the first zoo today resemble columns remaining from its gates and standing next to one of the elementary schools in Fukuoka.

In 1949, the city government approved the establishment of a new zoo in the South Park Fukuoka, for these purposes has been allocated 28 million. Yen. The new zoo was opened August 22, 1953, in his aviaries were 143 animals in the territory of a playground with a miniature train and a Ferris wheel. Since the opening of the zoo elephant lived, who died recently - in 2011.

In the years 1954-1956 the zoo expanded: has been increased both its area and number of animals, and species diversity. On the 50th anniversary of the zoo in 2003, it already counted 168 species, including 57 species of mammals, 88 species of birds, 23 species of reptiles - only 706 inhabitants.

Botanical Garden in Fukuoka has the largest greenhouses, which grow 1200 plants, including orchids, cacti and ferns. Another 1,300 species of plants grow in the garden outside the greenhouses. Plants are chosen so that their beauty can be enjoyed throughout the year. Zoo and Botanical Garden, connected by a bridge on which visitors can move from one part of the park to another.